TABLE 8.1 Differences Between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims

Sunni Muslims	Shi’a Muslims
• Believe that Muhammad chose his close friend Abu Bakr as caliph, or successor	• Believe that Muhammad designated his cousin and son-in-law Ali as imam, or leader
• See Abu Bakr and all subsequent caliphs as political leaders	• Believe that any caliph who is not a descendent of Ali is illegitimate
• Constitute the majority of Muslims	• See Ali and all subsequent imams as divinely inspired leaders
	• Remain an important minority within the larger Muslim community